SPD Hires More Than 100 New Recruits In Push To Rebuild Force

On Monday, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and the Seattle Police Department (SPD) announced that the city has hired more than 100 new police recruits as of July 2025, marking the department’s highest recent recruitment total and a major step toward rebuilding its ranks.

Harrell said the milestone reflects progress in addressing the city’s police staffing shortage.

“Hiring more than 100 new officers so far this year marks a significant milestone in addressing the police staffing crisis our administration inherited,” Harrell said. “Ensuring public safety requires a well-staffed and highly qualified police department, and we remain committed to recruiting top-tier candidates who reflect our values and our diverse communities. With Chief Shon Barnes at the helm, and recent data showing a decline in crime rates, we are making Seattle safer while prioritizing accountability and strengthening trust between our officers and the community.”

Chief Shon Barnes says that he is impressed with the wide range of experience among the new recruits, noting their backgrounds span the military, emergency medical services, and other police departments.

“This is an incredibly talented group, with many speaking at least two languages such as Spanish and Hindi,” Barnes said. “This is not only a testament to our commitment to rebuilding our department, but also a reflection of the extraordinary leadership shown by individuals involved in recruiting, training, and onboarding.”

SPD has overhauled its hiring process, shortening the timeline from 5–9 months to 3–5 months by implementing electronic background checks, bi-weekly testing, remote physical agility assessments, and improved candidate tracking. Expanded marketing campaigns, social media outreach, and recruitment videos on YouTube have also helped attract candidates.

The department’s recruitment initiatives include partnerships such as SkillBridge, which allows active-duty service members to gain civilian law enforcement experience before leaving the military. Entry-level officers earn $103,000 annually, while lateral hires start at $116,000.

Assistant Chief Lori Aagard, who leads SPD’s training division, said the training aims to build both skill and confidence before recruits join precinct teams across the city.

“We don’t just train people to become Seattle police officers,” Aagard said. “We invest in them to become leaders, proactive problem-solvers, and a trusted presence in the vibrant and diverse Seattle community.”

Before deployment, recruits complete training in cultural competency, de-escalation techniques, defensive driving, and interpersonal skills.

Applicants must be at least 20.5 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, meet physical fitness standards, and obtain a Washington State driver’s license. The seven-step hiring process includes applying, passing a written test and physical agility test, undergoing a background investigation, completing a medical evaluation and polygraph assessment, receiving an offer, and attending the state’s Basic Law Enforcement Academy.

According to officials, the hiring milestone underscores SPD’s focus on recruitment and retention, part of the city’s broader efforts to strengthen public safety while improving trust between law enforcement and the community.